Even in our digital world, 72% of people would still like to receive cards at Christmas. In 2017, an estimated one billion Christmas cards were sold in the UK, which is equivalent to 33 million trees! On top of this, the average household in the UK uses four rolls of wrapping paper over the Christmas period, which adds up to around 227,000 miles of wrapping paper used each year. That’s a lot of material coming from our precious forests but shopping consciously means we can reduce our environmental impact.
Look for the FSC Logo
Buy FSC-certified cards and wrapping paper so you can spread Christmas cheer with a clear conscience. FSC-certified products are made with materials from well-managed, FSC-certified forests and/or recycled sources. FSC-certified forests that are managed with consideration for people, wildlife, and the environment. Harvested trees are replaced or allowed to regenerate naturally, and parts of the forest are protected entirely to protect rare animals and plants.
Go Plastic Free
An estimated 125,000 tonnes of plastic packaging is thrown away in the UK each Christmas. An easy way to cut down on single-use plastic is to buy plastic free cards and wrapping paper.
‘Tis the Season to Recycle
Cards and their envelopes can be recycled, however embellishments such as ribbons or glitter cannot be recycled, so avoid these on cards if possible, or remove these sections before recycling.
Remove any Sellotape and ribbons from wrapping paper and carry out a ‘scrunch test’ to check if it is recyclable. Simply scrunch the paper into a ball, and if it remains in a ball it can be recycled. However, not all councils accept wrapping paper, whether it passes the scrunch test or not, click here to check your local authorities’ guidelines.
Support Good Causes
In the UK, the sale of charity greeting cards is the number one charity fundraiser at Christmas, raising an estimated £50 million for charities every year.
Where to Shop?
- The Eco-Friendly Card Company (FSC®C007915) – Christmas cards, compostable packaging, charity donation
- Oxfam (FSC®N001876) – charity cards, plastic free options
- RSPB (FSC®C105205) – plastic and glitter free charity cards and wrapping paper
- Whistlefish (FSC®C004002) – plastic free cards and wrapping paper
- The Woodland Trust (FSC®C009406) – plastic free charity cards and wrapping paper
- WWF (FSC®N001641) – plastic free charity cards
Click here to learn about sourcing FSC-certified Christmas trees, and how to dispose of them responsibly.